Antlers: The Best Long-lasting Chew Toys for Dogs
The top characteristics of our dense antler lineup is that they are naturally quite hard and very long-lasting, even for the most aggressive chewing dogs out there. And, unlike other bone options, antler chews are meant to be slowly ground down by the dog’s chewing and should not splinter or break apart. Many breeds of dogs have very powerful jaws and are capable of reducing an “indestructible” chew toy into an avalanche of debris in a matter of hours or even minutes. Although antlers are not indestructible, if you choose the appropriate size and style chew, they should outlast most commercial dog chews made for aggressive chewers.
The Issues with Traditional Chew Toys
All dogs have an innate need to chew on something. It relieves pent-up energy and stress and is mentally satisfying for them. Most commercial chew toys can handle a typical chewer, but for aggressive chewers, it takes a really tough chew toy to keep them from destroying it in a short period of time. We have seen many chew toys in stores that tout being “indestructible” and “power-chewer proof”. These are often made of rubber, plastic, or other synthetic materials. Most of these options cannot hold up to the jaws of large and dedicated chewers. One of the risks to power chewers is that they may ingest small or large pieces of their chew toy, which may cause blockages in their stomach or intestines. Not to mention, constantly replacing expensive chew toys can become a burden on your wallet, so finding the right chew for your heavy chewer can be a challenge.
What Makes Antlers So Special?
Antlers are an all-natural treat for your pup and are full of essential minerals that are great for their overall health. They are made up of approximately 40% protein and have very little fat. Minerals such as iron, zinc, calcium, and phosphorus are beneficial for joint and immune system health, and also great for your dog’s skin and coat. As an added benefit, when your pup grinds away at the outer bone, it helps remove plaque and buildup on your dog's teeth. All of our antlers are sourced from right here in the United States with Elk and Deer antlers coming from Colorado and our neighboring Rocky Mountain states, and our Moose antlers coming from Alaska. Every antler we purchase is carefully inspected for Grade A quality, so your pup only gets the absolute best antler chew available.
Choosing the Right Antler
Our website offers a lot of helpful information on choosing the right style chew for your pup. For the toughest chewers, we suggest sizing up based on their weight so that the antler lasts longer. We also recommend a whole antler, as split antlers can break apart during heavy chewing. Whole Deer antlers or Moose Tines are best for the most aggressive chewers. The marrow in the Whole Deer and Moose Tine is more compact with a thicker outer bone. These tougher styles should provide your pup with many hours of chewing enjoyment. We also encourage our customers to add a note in their cart at checkout regarding their preference for density. We are happy to accommodate special requests to make sure both you and your dog are satisfied with the antler chew.
Whole Deer Antlers
Our Deer antler chews are perfect for heavy-duty chewers who are pros at destroying anything they get their teeth on. Thanks to their dense outer core, deer antlers provide much more of a challenge to access the tasty marrow.
Our Deer antlers come from naturally shed wild Colorado mule deer.
We prefer mule deer over the more commonly found whitetail because they go a bit easier on your pup's teeth. Consider requesting a denser cut from the base of the antler, or a slightly less dense piece from the upper antler.
Shop Deer Antler Chews for Dogs
Moose Tine Antlers
The Moose Tines are the best choice for power chewers and are the densest antlers we carry here at RidgeRunner. The thick outer layer and dense, yummy marrow inside are perfect for the most vigorous chewers in your pack.
Our Moose Tines come from wild, free-roaming Alaskan moose.
Shop Moose Antler Chews for Dogs
Safety Guidelines and Best Practices
We recommend supervising your pup while they chew on their antler and removing or replacing it once it's small enough to fit in their mouth completely. Antlers are meant to be slowly ground down through your dog's chewing action. If your dog tries to break the chew with their back molars, we recommend removing it immediately and letting your pup take a chew break.
We also encourage pet owners to take the time and choose the correct size, style and density of antler for your dog. If you're not sure which antler is right for your pup, use our handy Antler Size Guide to find the perfect chew for them.